Nubra is a picturesque subdivision and a tehsil in Ladakh. Located nearly 150 km north of Leh, Nubra’s inhabited areas form a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers. It is a protected area, and Indian nationals require an Inner Line Permit to visit Nubra valley. In Ladakhi, Nubra means “western.” Nubra valley means Western valley. Nubra borders Baltistan and Chinese Turkestan in the north and the Aksai Chin plateau and Tibet in the east. Spread across an area of 9,200 square miles, the valley extends till the Pangong Lake. The entire Nubra region is divided into Diskit Nubra in the north and the Darbuk region in the South.
It is a high-altitude cold desert that is gifted with mountains, rivers, and magnificent landscapes. The majority population in Nubra follows Buddhism. To its north lies the Siachen Glacier, whereas the Sasser Pass and the famous Karakoram pass lie to its northwest. The headquarters of Nubra is Diskit which is well connected to Leh by road. It is a heaven for adventure lovers. From challenging trekking routes to hiking trails, everything about Nubra is worth exploring. From trekkers to adventure junkies, Nubra is a famous hotspot for all of them.
Decorated by snow-capped mountains and green pastures, Nubra is nothing less than a heaven on earth. There are many things to do in Nubra valley, right from going on a challenging hike to clicking wonderful pictures.
Among the most exciting things to do in Nubra valley is taking a camel safari. Many people go to Rajasthan to enjoy a camel ride in the mighty Thar desert but doing a Camel safari in the white desert is something else. There are various Safari packages available in Nubra valley. You can start your camel ride from the valley of flowers among the best places in the region. The route for the camel safari is from Hunder to Turtuk. It is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of the valley.
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The breathtaking Panamik Village
The Panamik village is certainly among the most popular places in the valley. It is a laid-back destination that connects to the famous Silk Route. It was once a very popular trading route to Tibet. The village falls on the route to the Siachen Base camp. The village is home to some relaxing hot springs. Trekking to the Ensa Gompa while exploring the village is one such activity that you must try. Do not forget to explore the local markets to buy some really great Pashmina Shawls, carpets, and other Kashmiri and Tibetan items.
Hunder Village
Nubra valley is home to numerous beautiful villages, and the magnificent Hunder Village is next on our list. Located a few kilometers away from Diskit in the middle of the desert, the village is home to scenic landscapes and sand dunes that make it a perfect spot to find solitude in the middle of nowhere. The village is very close to the Siachen glacier and can be reached easily via a camel safari. You can find several adventurous hiking trails in the forest region near the village. The village is also the home of one of the oldest monasteries in the region.
Exploring Lake Yarab Tso
The great thing about visiting the Ladakh region in general and Nubra valley, in particular, is that you have the opportunity to explore many unexplored spots. The breathtaking Yarab Tso Lake is one of those spots. It is located near the Sumur village, another scenic village in the valley known for its untouched natural beauty. Known for its crystal clear water, Yarab Tso lake is surrounded by jaw-dropping rocky terrain. It looks mesmerizing under the clear blue sky.
Rafting in Zanskar River:
If you want to feel the adrenaline rush like never before, try rafting in the Zanskar village. Zanskar river is one of the most visited spots in the region. You can enjoy rafting in the river. The route goes through different villages and small towns, and the distance of the rafting is customizable. You can also set up your camp near the river.
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The challenging Khardung La Pass
Khar dung La pass is one of the most popular passes in the country. The place holds both historical as well as strategic significance. It is among the most popular spots for bikers who love to take the challenge of crossing the pass despite its rocky terrain and other challenges that mainly include snowfall. The pass is well connected to Manali and Srinagar by road.
Exploring the Zamskhang Palace ruins
What remains of Zamskhang Palace is just ruins. The existence of the palace could be traced back to the 17th century. It is one of the less explored places in the region. The palace was once home to the kings of Nubra. The windows of the palace offer a magnificent view of the valley. The now-abandoned palace includes a small prayer room on the top floor that is still in use. The ruins of the palace are a living example of Tibetan architecture.
